We've had an overwhelming response to Heather's e-mail about our Young Voter Platform. Thousands of young people are adding their names and their two cents to the set of demands that Rock the Vote is delivering to the presidential candidates.
We want to be sure we hear from you. Click here to sign and send this link to your friends.
As the Communications Director at Rock the Vote, I've had the privilege of reading your letters to Senators McCain and Obama. There were so many and they were so heartfelt. I wanted to pass on a few.
Liz from Ohio writes: "Don't forget about or underestimate us. Maybe more of us will vote if you remember that we're here, that we matter, and that we want our voice heard too."
Caryn from Boulder, Colorado writes: "In the world we live in, Americans are looking for a president who can be strong but tolerant, open-minded but steadfast ... Can either of you represent the people of America rather than just its government? Campaign promises are one thing, but delivering on them and actually improving the lives of Americans is quite another. You're not expected to be a super-human, but as a presidential candidate, I do expect you to be honest and dedicated to helping the people of this nation, as well as the people and environment of the global community. Please don't let us down."
Anthony from New Wilmington, Pennsylvania writes: "Please, Senator Obama and Senator McCain, no matter what happens in the months to come remember one word-- unity. I know your views are very different but the thing that is most important to me in this election is reuniting America. The world we live in now is bad enough without domestic fighting, Republican vs. Democrat, gay vs. straight, rich vs. poor; America is becoming divided and I hope that you both will run fair, respectable, and clean campaigns."
Phillip, can you forward this e-mail to ten friends and ask them to speak out and sign the pledge? I want to make sure we have enough signatures to deliver our Young Voter Platform next week with all your comments included.
Keep it up.
-Chrissy
P.S. Here's what I wrote when I forwarded the Young Voter Platform to my friends: ---
Hey ya'll. Can you all take 30 seconds today and sign Rock the Vote's Young Voter Platform?
This is incredibly important -- we need to let McCain and Obama know that they must pay attention to the youth vote. And we don't have much time. We need to seize the media opportunity at the beginning of the general election. It'll take no time at all and it's more important than ever.
Thanks.
--
P.P.S. Here's Heather's e-mail from last week.
Subj: McCain v. Obama From: Heather Smith, Rock the Vote To: Chrissy Faessen
Hey Chrissy,
The General Election is here. We've got presumptive Republican and Democratic nominees -- Senator John McCain and Senator Barack Obama.
It's time for us make sure that the candidates address the issues most critical to young voters, and we need to act quickly. I'm sending a letter to McCain and Obama with Rock the Vote's 2008 Young Voter Platform. Can you join me in speaking out for the 44 million young voters of America and co-sign the letter?
I've attached it below -- I need your signature to make sure that the candidates hear us.
Thanks, Heather
P.S. Be sure to send this to your friends as well. We want as many names as possible when we present this to the candidates.
Dear Senator Obama & Senator McCain,
This general election is on course to see the highest young voter turnout ever. And young people are now poised to be decisive in choosing the winner in November.
As a generation, we recognize the power we have to create real change, and we are prepared to use it. We are fighting for our country, involved in our communities and voting. And this is just the beginning.
We call on each of you to address our needs and our hopes for our country by living up to the values at the core of our democracy and addressing the issues that young people care about most: a more democratic and open society and a better future with more opportunity for all.
We, the undersigned, have committed that in order to earn our votes, a presidential candidate must not only support these values, but also lay out specific plans to address the most pertinent issues affecting the future of our generation, including:
Equal Opportunity: The right for all young people to succeed in our country, including an affordable high-quality education, fair wages and equal access to healthcare for all Americans.
Sustainability: The right to live on a sustainable planet without the constant threat of violence in our own communities and those around the world, including significant measures to address global warming, the war in Iraq and international human rights violations.
Freedom of Expression: The right to express ourselves artistically and politically without undue censorship online and off—and protest against our government.
Equal Representation: The right to equal representation in our democracy and the protection of young people's right to vote without unnecessary restrictions.
Tolerance: The right to live in a society that does not discriminate based on race, sexual orientation, gender, nationality or religion.
We are committed to electing a new president in November who represents us, who fights for us and makes good on his promises after elected.
If you stand with us now, we will stand with you at the polls in November. We are ready. Are you ready to Rock the Vote?
